The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on the 100th anniversary of Manitoba becoming the first Canadian province to grant women the right to vote:

“Today, we celebrate a very special anniversary in our country’s history: exactly 100 years ago, women in Manitoba became the first women in Canada to gain the right to vote.

“This victory played a crucial role in shaping the Canada we know and love – a Canada where acceptance, equality, and respect are integral parts of who we are and what we stand for. While we have made progress towards gender equality, we still have a lot of hard work to do. We know that far too many women in Canada – and around the world – continue to face discrimination.

“These brave suffragettes led by example then, and they continue to inspire us now – all Canadians, women and men alike, should be proud to call themselves feminists. We remain committed to advancing gender equality so that our society is one where all women and girls can reach their full potential.

“Together, we can, and will, continue to push for true equality between men and women, right here in Canada and around the world.”